Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching
淨土小常識
Strong Condition
A factor that facilitates a cause to become an effect is called a “condition”. “A strong condition” is also called an “augmentative condition”. It is a condition that 100% insures that a facilitating cause will lead to an effect.
Normally, a cause with condition(s) cannot lead to an effect. If the condition is weak and unfavorable, a cause is unlikely to lead to an effect. Even if it leads to an effect, it is often not a good one.
Master Shandao says, “Relying on the Buddha’s Vow as the strong condition.” This means, we accept Amitabha Buddha’s splendid unsurpassed vows, which he made for us, as our great condition for rebirth. Amitabha’s absolute vow power assures that we will reach our goal, and achieve the sacred fruition. Amitabha absolutely enables us to be reborn in the Land of Bliss, and become Avinivartaniva (Buddhas-to-be), dwelling in the state of non-retrogression. It is known as the “strong condition”.
強緣
助因成果叫作緣,「強緣」又稱增上緣,就是百分之百、必定能夠助因成果的緣。
有因、沒有緣,絕對不能有果。如果緣是弱緣、劣緣,恐怕不能成果,即使得到果,也是不好的果。
善導大師說「託佛願以作強緣」,就是以阿彌陀佛所超發的無上殊勝之願,作為我們往生的強緣。阿彌陀佛的願力是絕對性的, 必定能夠使我們達到目的、成就聖果, 也就是絕對能夠讓我們往生極樂, 往生之後都不退轉,都是阿鞞跋致、一生補處,都能成佛 —— 這就是強緣。
Namo Amituofo!
